Agriculture: Steady increase in EU agri-food trade

The latest EU agri-food trade figures published today show that trade continues to increase steadily, with exports increasing by 7% compared to the first eight months of 2020. The total value of EU agri-food trade (exports plus imports) for January-August 2021 reached a value of €210.5 billion, reflecting a 5.1% increase on the same period last year. Exports rose by 7% to €127.5 billion, while imports grew by 2.3% to €85 billion, giving a total agri-food trade surplus of €44 billion for the first eight months of the year. This is an increase of 17% compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Positive figures were reported in exports to the United States, which grew by €2 billion or 15%, largely driven by strong performances from wine, and spirit and liqueurs. Additionally, exports to China rose by €812 million, while increases in values were also reported in exports to Switzerland (up €531 million), South Korea (up €464 million), Norway (up €393 million) and Israel (up €288 million). Exports to the United Kingdom during this period (€116 million) were nearly at the same value as they were last year. Exports to a number of countries declined compared the same period in 2020. The largest decline was seen in exports to Saudi Arabia, which fell by €399 million or 16%. Other notable decreases were reported in exports to Hong Kong (down €103 million) and Kuwait (down €101 million). Regarding specific product categories, the first eight months of 2021 saw major increases in the export values of wine (up €2.5 billion) and spirits and liqueurs (up €1.3 billion), representing increases of 31% and 32% respectively. Decreases were reported for exports of wheat (down €892 million) and infant food (down €736 million). The most notable increases in the value of imports were seen in oilcakes (up €1.1 billion), soya beans (up €1.1 billion), fatty acids and waxes (up €500 million), palm and kernel oil (up €479 million), and cocoa beans (up €291 million). The highest decreases in import values, on the other hand, were seen in tropical fruit, nuts and spices (down €669 million), fruit juices (down €194 million), citrus fruits (down €159 million), raw tobacco (down €158 million), and rice (down €140 million). More information is available here and on EU agri-food trade here.